Field Trips

Each field trip, depending on the amount of participants, is divided up into smaller groups. Each group will simultaneously attend a separate session either taught by a Des Moines County Conservation naturalist or by a teacher. Most fieldtrips occur from 9 a.m. - Noon or 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. depending on how many sessions there are and how long each session is. Fieldtrips may be chosen from the list below or Environmental Education staff can design a fieldtrip to meet your class' curriculum needs.

Fieldtrip Options

Preschool

Touch ofNature: a basic, friendly introduction to nature, allowing children to use their five senses to explore the world around them.

Kindergarten

Habitat Sweet Habitat: find out what makes up an animal's home and which animals live where.

Seasons of Change: learn how the seasons change and how these changes affect plants, animals, and people.

First Grade

Perfect Plants: venture inside a tree to learn about plant parts and their functions.

Starr's Cave Nature Center

Summer Hours*

April 1 – September 30
Weekdays: By appointment
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

Winter Hours*

October 1 – March 31
Weekdays: Noon – 4:30 pm*

*The nature center may not always be open during these hours as staff is regularly out teaching environmental education in the schools and our parks. We always suggest calling before your visit to make sure the nature center will be open.